Masque facial anthropomorphe · Nigéria, Urhobo · ID: 3051037
German Private Collection
Alfred Weissenegger, Winklarn, Austria
Dorotheum, Vienna, 28 June 2023, Lot 30
Description
wood, pigments, metal, rest., base
Urhobo masks are associated with water and earth spirits who are responsible for the well-being of the community.
This mask is associated with “ohworhu”, a powerful female water spirit. Once every decade, a large mask festival is held in honour of “ohworhu”, during which different masks appear on two days.
According to Foss, this mask represents a bride of the Urhobo, called “opha”. The hairstyle with horn-like extensions is intended to reflect the young girls’ elaborate coiffures when they are presented to the village community. Their appearance emphasises the powerful role played by the water spirits as protectors of the young women (Foss, 2004, p. 119 f., ill. 66, 68).
Littérature comparée
Foss, Perkins (ed.), Where Gods and Mortals meet, New York 2004, p. 119 f., ill. 66, 68
Publications
Cole, Herbert M., & Dierk Dierking (ed.), "Invention and Tradition", Munich, London, New York 2012, p. 156, ill. 65AHDRC: 0142746
Exposition
Wuppertal, Germany: "Sculptures and Masks from Nigeria", Tony Cragg Foundation, 2012